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Peak Mt Wilson
Group N/A
Trailhead Chantry Flats

Fortunately we headed the warning to start the hike early. The mountain was already loaded with people when we arrived just before 7am. We were able to park on the road before the parking lot and get a good warm up walking up to the start of the trail.

The weather couldn’t have been more perfect. It was a cold morning, but we were thankful as the day went on. With cold fingers we began the trek up, or should I say down. (“You gotta get down to get up, up up…”) After a long downhill on a road, we made it to the trail. Then it was a beautiful, ideal, gradual uphill. Don’t be fooled, it was tough, but it was nothing compared to what was ahead.

After you reach the campground, and press on, it gets steep. I wanted to quit so many times because I felt I was making such little progress. But…every step counts and I made it.

Finally, I looked up and saw the guardrail at the summit, and knew I had one more switch back. I didn’t think I could do it. I grimaced. And I made it. Once at the top we celebrated with a well deserved snack and bathroom break.

A wedding was being staged and, interestingly enough, it was dinosaur themed. Hmmm, I like it!? “Roz” and someone else. (I remember Roz because it’s an interesting name.) Anyway, I digress.

Unfortunately, at the top we got a little off and walked down a road for a considerable distance while trying to fine the “old toll road”. We didn’t go the correct way through the parking lot and missed it and added a considerable chunk of miles and distance to an already long hike. BUT, I found a really could large ball bearing and met some really neat people. Finally we realized our error and turned back. Found the Old Toll Road and made it back down to the Winter Creek Trail, bound for Chantry Flats.

We decided to take the Upper Winter Creek Trail when we came to the final decision to drop out above it. Though they say this trail is less scenic, I disagree. It’s beautiful with it’s canopies and wild flowers. There is a bit of up-hill at the beginning but then it mostly levels off. By this point we were exhausted, but it was still, so beautiful. We went at the right time of the year. Yearly April. When it was still somewhat cool. This part of the hike was particularly exposed and it was now later in the day. Wear sunscreen. For the most part you’re in the shade, but still. Don’t be fooled into false security. There is enough sun-exposed sections to cause damage.

By the time we made it to the road we were 19 miles in, finally back to the car, 20.

Man, what a day!! It was great!

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